multiple smaller sized memory cards versus one larger memory card

beansbaxter · 05-17-2008, 12:34 PM

I was considering picking up some 4GB cards, since they were good deals, but I really dont need anymore CF cards. I have 2 8's and 1 4 - and I'd prefer to just have 1 or 2 bigger 16GB cards... and then I remembered reading this:

Quote:

Originally Posted by JayT

Better buying multiple smaller cards than 1 big one.

Why is it better to have multiple smaller sized memory cards instead of one larger card?

plummy · 05-17-2008, 03:52 PM

one card = if it goes bad, everything from that day(s) will be gone

multiple cards = if one goes bad, you still have others and it wasn't a total waste of time taking photos

probably other reasons, but that would be my main reason

SeattleVet · 05-17-2008, 04:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by plummy

one card = if it goes bad, everything from that day(s) will be gone

multiple cards = if one goes bad, you still have others and it wasn't a total waste of time taking photos

probably other reasons, but that would be my main reason

+1

That is the main reason. Spreads the risk over a lot of area, rather than putting all your eggs into one basket.

Photohog · 05-17-2008, 05:44 PM

I tend to forget that I've taken the card out of the camera. I generally have at least one additional card sitting in the camera bag. I have a little walet that I keep the cards in so they don't get lost or chewed up by the dog!

Mike Reyna · 05-17-2008, 09:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by plummy

one card = if it goes bad, everything from that day(s) will be gone

multiple cards = if one goes bad, you still have others and it wasn't a total waste of time taking photos

probably other reasons, but that would be my main reason

+2

beansbaxter · 05-18-2008, 01:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by plummy

one card = if it goes bad, everything from that day(s) will be gone

Aside from losing the memory card, what else could go wrong that would jeapordize the entire memory card?

plummy · 05-18-2008, 09:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by beansbaxter

Aside from losing the memory card, what else could go wrong that would jeapordize the entire memory card?

you've never had a memory card or any storage device fail on you? like just go completely tits up and never works again? there's always that risk with anything that stores information whether it has moving parts or not. sometimes things just stop working and you'll never see anything that was on it again.

SeattleVet · 05-18-2008, 09:45 AM

Non-volatile memory also has a limited number of read/write cycles before it starts to fail. Depending on the type and quality of card, that can be anywhere from 10,000 to 100,000 cycles. At some point you will either start to get corrupted data or possibly lose everything all at once.

It's also a good idea to reformat the card in the camera every so often.

05-18-2008, 09:45 AM	#8 (permalink)
SeattleVet Member Joined: Mar 2008 Posts: 83 From: Seattle My Camera: Konica/Minolta Maxxum 7D	Non-volatile memory also has a limited number of read/write cycles before it starts to fail. Depending on the type and quality of card, that can be anywhere from 10,000 to 100,000 cycles. At some point you will either start to get corrupted data or possibly lose everything all at once. It's also a good idea to reformat the card in the camera every so often. __________________ -- WARNING: Do not look into laser beam with remaining eye! You can see some of my images at http://seattlevet.smugmug.com

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05-17-2008, 03:52 PM	#2 (permalink)
plummy Senior Member Joined: Apr 2008 Posts: 172 From: Pooptown My Camera: one pixel of awesome	one card = if it goes bad, everything from that day(s) will be gone multiple cards = if one goes bad, you still have others and it wasn't a total waste of time taking photos probably other reasons, but that would be my main reason

05-17-2008, 05:44 PM	#4 (permalink)
Photohog Member Joined: Apr 2008 Posts: 83 From: North Bend My Camera: Konica/Minolta 7D	I tend to forget that I've taken the card out of the camera. I generally have at least one additional card sitting in the camera bag. I have a little walet that I keep the cards in so they don't get lost or chewed up by the dog!